Blue lane for cyclists in KL draws ire of netizens

IN conjunction with the 9th World Urban Forum (WUF) 2018 which Kuala Lumpur will host early next month, bicycle lanes have been introduced around the city centre.

While the effort was introduced with the noble aim of promoting a healthier lifestyle among city folk, and for them to cycle from one location to another in the heart of the city, the execution appeared to have floundered.

The bicycle lane separators which are meant to separate cyclists from motorists reportedly caused injuries, resulting in Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) having them removed in a hurry.

The lane which is expected to be ready by Feb 1, on the Federal Territory Day, appears not to have been installed with proper planning resulting in motorists misusing them.

It all started when cycling coach, Kenny Kwan shared a post on Facebook where he took a 10-minute video of the new blue bicycle lanes around Kuala Lumpur City Centre.

Instead of admiring the RM 4 million cycling track Kenny was rather left speechless.

He takes viewers on a virtual tour as he cycles past various roads in Kuala Lumpur such as Jalan Ampang, Jalan Tun H.S Lee, and Jalan Raja Laut.

Various vehicles were seen misusing the bicycle lane as they were parked all along the blue lane which leaves no space for any cyclist to get through. Motorcyclists are even blocking the lane when they stop at traffic lights.

As an experienced cyclist, Kenny pointed out the bicycle lanes are not consistent, sometimes it's on the left side and sometimes it's on the right.

"Bicycle lanes should be on the left side because you will be going slowly."